Offering Hope When A Family is Dealing With a Sick Child

I don't know what is worse. Getting a call that your child is ill, or getting the call that your friends child is very ill. I think my heart hurts just as much for them as it would if it was just for me.

My friend called this morning to tell me that our mutual friends baby was having seizures. What makes this hit even harder is that the baby is 4 days old and they are at least 6 hours away. How can you offer help when your so far away? What can you possibly do except pray? It's hard to hug through a phone, hold up your friend as she struggles with how to cope. It really gives you a helpless feeling. I have tried putting myself in her shoes. What would I want my friends to do for me? Help with my kids, provide some meals, pray. Yes, I would love to do all of those immediately. However, from 500 miles away how is it possible? I've spent the afternoon making calls, trying to get other families gathering to pray. Trying to make connections with families near her. Asking them to be my hands. Reminding myself that I would do it for someone else if I were asked.

With all the new technology and up to the second updates thanks to facebook and twitter, nothing can replace the arms of a friend. I guess my thought today, is if you were called upon, in your town to reach out to a stranger because a friend has asked you to for her, would you? I know that after today, my answer is yes. I will offer my arms and my means if someone ever asks me too. Would you?